PSYC 477C Psychology and Christianity

Transcription

1 PSYC 477C Psychology and Christianity Fall, 2005 Instructor: Donald Ratcliff, Ph.D. Location and Time: GRPS1, MW 1-2:15 PM Office Hours: MWF 8-9 (sometimes delayed), W 11-12AM, MF 10-12AM (Social Sciences Bldg) dratcliff@vanguard.edu, don@ratcliff.net Course web page: Course Description The worldview assumptions of psychology and theology are examined, with particular emphasis upon the basic nature of humanity. Then three general models of integrating psychology and Christianity are considered, with an emphasis upon the integrity and importance of each area of study. The application of integrating faith and learning to one s future life, both personally and occupationally, will also be considered. Relation of Course to Psychology Major Requirements Psychology and Christianity is a required course of all psychology majors, fulfilling the "spiritual perspective" component of the psychology major. General Psychology (PSYC 103C) is a prerequisite for the course. Psychology and Christianity, which is typically taken during the fall of the senior year, is the capstone course for the psychology major. The Psychology Major Field Test, a requirement for the psychology major, is administered in-class toward the end of the semester. Relation to Institutional Targets and Goals Intellectual Engagement: Psychology and Christianity will help students learn to think critically and examine worldview issues in both areas of study. Spiritual Formation: Psychology and Christianity will intentionally address issues of integration of psychology and the Christian faith. Professional Excellence: Part of the course involves the analysis of various theories and perspectives in theology, creatively relating these views with faith and personal philosophy. Sociocultural Responsiveness: Psychology and Christianity will examine cultural and personal differences in worldviews and will help students learn to appreciate how those differences affect understandings of psychology and Christianity. Responsible Stewardship: Psychology and Christianity will help students learn the importance of developing both an inner and outer life that is informed by their worldview. Specific Course Objectives Evaluation by the instructor will include a determination of the following potential competencies, as reflected in student writing, discussion, and behavior: Investigate the history of the relationship between faith and reason, and the similar relationship between Christianity and psychology. Examine how basic worldview issues impact both faith and psychological perspectives. Compare and contrast widely differing approaches to integration taken by psychologists. Begin to integrate psychological principles and Christian belief.

2 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 2 Textbooks Entwistle, D. N. (2004). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock. Miller, W. R., & Delaney, H. D. (2005). Judeo-Christian perspectives on psychology: Human nature, motivation, and change. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. [optional] Johnson, E. L., & Jones, S. L. (2000). A history of Christians in psychology. In E. L. Johnson & S. L. Jones (Eds.), Psychology and Christianity: Four Views. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity. Recommended Resources: AmoebaWeb on psychology and religion: index.aspx?doc_id=870 The class forum is located under psychology at: Schedule of Topics and Reading Fall, 2005 [Reading is due each Monday of week listed] August 24 August 29 September 7 September 12 September 19 September 26 October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 October 31 November 7 November 14 November 21 Introduction Q1 Why Study Faith and Learning? Q2 History of Psychology/Science and Faith Q3 Recent History of Psychology & Christianity Q4 Soul, Psyche, and Psychology Q5 Worldviews and Assumptions Q6 The Nature of the World Q7 The Nature of Humanity I Presentations Q8 The Nature of Models Q9 Antagonistic Models Q10 Intermediate Models Q11 Integrative Models ***Psychology Field Test*** Syllabus E Preface, Introduction, 1 E 2, M&D 2 E 3, J&J 1 E 4 E 5 E 6 E 7 M&D 1 E 8 E 9 E 10 E 11

3 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 3 November 28 December 5 December 9 (final exam week) Q12 Two Sources of Truth Paper Due The Challenge Ahead DEBRIEFING AND FEEDBACK E 12 E 13 Assessment Vanguard University is a learning organization dedicated to continuous improvement of its programs and student outcomes. Students should expect regular assessment to measure their progress toward specific goals and to identify areas where program and outcome improvements can be made. Students are encouraged to participate in the process of continuous improvement by cooperating with the assessment process, by engaging in regular self-assessment, and by offering suggestions for program development. Non-Competitive Grading: Grading in this class is non-competitive. Your grade is determined by the total number of points you have at the end of the semester, regardless of the points of other students. There is no "curve." You should therefore feel free to help each other learn, study, and succeed in class, since no other student's grade will ever harm yours. Indeed, there is good evidence that those who help others learn are actually helped by the helping (for example, to explain a concept to another student will often help you to better learn and retain that concept.) Grade Scale Grades are given according to a system of points, with 670 points being the maximum possible. The grades given for class are based upon the number of points earned. The point scale is generally proportional to a standard percentage scale used in the psychology department at Vanguard. Number of points < 400 Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F Approximate Percentage < 60 Late Assignments If the presentation or paper is turned in after the class period in which it is due, penalty points will be deducted from the grade, unless there is a justifiable absence (personal illness, death in the family, or similar events as determined by the instructor). In general 5% of the total possible points for the assignment will be

4 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 4 subtracted for each class day it is late. Assignments received more than one week late are not accepted except in extreme circumstance with the approval of the instructor. The grade for this class is based upon ten quizzes, a weekly journal, a presentation, a final paper, and attendance. Requirements 1. Weekly quizzes (200 points). Most weeks there is a quiz on Monday for the reading listed for that week. Generally these quizzes will be of a short answer variety. Long shotgun answers may receive reduced or no credit. Of the 12 quizzes offered, the top 10 will be graded. If you miss a quiz, that will count as one of the quizzes not counted. If you miss more than two quizzes due to an excusable absence (death in the family, personal illness, and the like), you will need to write an additional paper from an extra chapter of the Miller and Delaney book. This option is only available if the instructor of the course deems the reason for the extra absences to be excusable. 2. Weekly journals (200 points). Each week on Monday you need to turn in a journal of that week s reading, which consists of responses to the questions at the end of each chapter of the Entwistle text and any other insights or comments you want to make about the reading. Your responses should be handwritten and on regular notebook paper; ed or typed responses are not acceptable. All aspects of each question are to be addressed. No journals are due the weeks of presentations. 3. Presentation (100 points). As indicated on the course schedule, a short presentation will be made the ninth week of class. This will involve short creative presentations by groups of students on various chapters of the Miller and Delaney text (one chapter from chapters 3-14). The presentation are to be made by two or three students, involve use of audiovisual equipment or materials, and include a single page handout. Grading is based upon accuracy, creativity, and interest level. The goal is to communicate the content of the chosen chapter, and to encourage discussion by peers in class. 4. Final paper (100 points). A five-page paper is due at the end of the course that personally addresses how you plan to meet The Challenge Ahead [the last chapter of the textbook]. The grade on this paper is determined by accuracy, practicality [it is possible to do what you state], relevance to your anticipated occupation, and creativity. You may want to address some of the questions at the end of chapter 13 of your text. The grade on the paper will be determined by: Accuracy of comments made about psychology and the Christian faith. Practicality; it is possible to actually do what you describe. Relevance to your anticipated occupation. Creativity. Good hermeneutics when quoting and applying scripture. Use of APA style (fifth edition) format (see index.cfm?doc_id=796). Use of proper grammar, punctuation, logical organization, and other aspects of good writing.

5 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 5 Avoidance of plagiarism of any kind. Note: plagiarism involves the use of anyone s ideas with providing full credit to that person s ideas. Direct quotations obviously must be credited (APA requires page numbers as well as source). Paraphrasing ideas (putting it in your own words) must also be credited with a full citation. The rule of thumb is that if you see an idea in ten different places, all of them without credit to another source, that is a general idea that can be used without citation. Make sure your own ideas stand out as yours, while giving full credit to the ideas others provide. Note: The paper submitted late can have grades reduced as much as a letter grade per day. Papers submitted early will not receive higher grades nor will they be graded early. However, feel free to consult with the instructor about possible issues related to papers through an office appointment. Brief outlines for the paper will be reviewed by the instructor, if desired. 5. Attendance and Participation (70 points). Another portion of your grade relates to your attendance and participation in class and the online forum. Interacting in class is an important component to meaningful learning, although some may feel more comfortable interacting on the forum. This is not just a matter of talking a great deal to obtain a high grade; comments made need to be substantive (see the criteria in the form below). You should subtract 10 points for each unexcused absence. However, points may be restored by making comments that week on the course forum or in class. However, you can only make up a missed quiz if the absence is excused, and this is accomplished by the extra assignment noted previously. If you are ill, it is usually best for you and the others in class that you rest so you will feel better soon. Please do not bring a contagious disease to class! Note that points given for class or forum participation do not add to your total points; they only compensate for missed classes. However, you can build up a reserve of points for anticipated absences. To a limited extent they can also compensate for loss of points for other reasons as well. You need to record the number of contributions made each week in your own records. I will not keep track of this information, but it will be graded at the end of the course. It is your responsibility to determine what was missed both in terms of class content and course requirements if you miss a given class period, regardless of the reason for missing that class. Note that the information in this syllabus is subject to revision, as announced during regular class periods.

6 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 6 Self-Grading Component of Psychology and Christianity Name: (please print) 1. Number of absences (for any reason): <times 10 points each> and points deducted for other difficulties = points 2. In-Class and Forum Participation to Compensate for Absences and/or attitude difficulties A comment in class or on the forums can only be counted if it meets all four criteria below: Substantive comments really adding something significant to the discussion. Substantive comments contribute research-based or scholarly detail, or are integrative of class content and the Bible and/or theology. Thoughtful and relevant questions can also be substantive. Maintaining a Christ-like attitude with peers and instructor. Avoiding digression on peripheral matters. Not dominating by talking a long time or numerous times during a given class. Five points are given for each substantive contribution over the semester. number of substantive contributions <times 5> equals: Please attach your record of absences and the substantive contributions made over the semester. 3. Calculation of total attendance, attitude, and participation points: 70 points minus points for absences and other difficulties plus points for substantive contributions over the semester points total. I certify that the above is accurate (sign) (date)

7 Ratcliff Psychology and Christianity 7 Psychology and Christianity Student Contact Information Full name: Preferred nickname or shortened name: City of local residence: City of home or other residence: Preferred Address: Alternative Address: [Note: a Vanguard address is required to log on to the class forum] Personal or Business Web Page: Local telephone number: Cell phone number: Home or other phone number: Declared or anticipated major: Advisor: Please comment on one or more of these issues: why I am taking this class, expectations of this class and the instructor, hobbies and special interests, other information I would like the instructor to know: I grant permission for the instructor to hand back papers through the mail or a friend I grant permission for the instructor to post my grades on the class forums using the following number (provide any three to six digit number): I grant permission for the instructor to give my grades by (note--this requires an to be sent to the instructor for each item and grades will not be available until after the forum). By my signature, I hereby certify that I have read and understand the syllabus for this class. I also promise to check my daily for possible course updates and changes. (date)